I. Introduction

The process for planning and establishing a new degree program (undergraduate major or graduate program) at UNC Charlotte is governed by the rules and regulations of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors who have the authority to approve new degree programs (UNC Policy Manual Chapter 400.1 - Academic Programs).

II. Procedure Statement

The following steps should be followed to begin the Letter of Intent (formerly Request to Plan) process of requesting the approval to plan a new degree program.

Department(s) proposes program to appropriate Dean(s). If acknowledged for further consideration, Dean(s) consults with Provost and seeks authorization to proceed with Letter of Intent.

If approved by Provost to proceed, Dean consults with Assistant Provost to schedule a 90-minute Kick-Off Meeting with the individuals from the department(s)/college(s) who will be involved in proposing the new program.

Following the Kick-Off Meeting, a draft Letter of Intent is prepared by the department(s)/program(s) and uploaded to Curriculog via the New Program (for degree program) – Part One: Letter of Intent form. The Letter of Intent is used for new on-campus and distance education programs. The form should include a Substantive Change Planning Questionnaire as an addendum.

Within Curriculog, the Letter of Intent is routed to: Department Chair(s), Dean(s), Office of Assessment, Dean of the Graduate School (if applicable), and the Graduate Council or Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee as appropriate.

Following review by the Graduate Council/Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee, the proposal is routed via Curriculog to the Faculty President for notification and to the Provost and Office of Academic Affairs for review.

Provost and Office of Academic Affairs review Letter of Intent and decide to proceed with Chancellor consultation (including ranking of proposed program within college and institutional priorities) or return proposal to college with additional comments/considerations.